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Stormwater Management

What is stormwater?

Stormwater is excessive rainfall that does not soak into the ground, but instead flows over the land’s hard surface into the nearest water body through storm drain channels.

Why is stormwater a problem?

Stormwater is a problem because it carries a lot of pollution along with it wherever it flows. In urban areas such as the District, much of the land is covered by impervious surfaces such as streets, buildings, parking lots and driveways. During rain storms, these impervious surfaces prevent rainfall from soaking into the soil. Instead, this stormwater drains into manmade drainage systems consisting of inlets and underground pipes commonly referred to as “storm sewers.” These storm sewers are not to be confused with sanitary sewers that transport human and industrial wastewaters to a treatment plant before discharging to surface waters. Stormwater entering storm sewers does not receive any treatment before it enters the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers and Rock. Learn more about why stormwater is a problem.

What do we do about stormwater?

The District Department of the Environment seeks to reduce stormwater runoff pollution by going beyond the activities required in the District’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit – more commonly referred to as a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (or MS4) Permit. The Stormwater Management Division of the Natural Resources Division within DDOE is responsible for managing the most recent District NPDES Permit[PDF]. DDOE initially assumed responsibility for the District’s stormwater administration in February 2007, and now has in place a vigorous stormwater program as overseen by the Stormwater Division in conjunction with all its sister agencies. You may also consult the District's Stormwater Guidebook , and the most recent MS4 Annual Report dated February 2013. DDOE works together with its sister agencies in two group settings: both the Stormwater Advisory Panel (a groups of all agency Directors, City Administrator); and the Technical Working Group who meets monthly to keep current on activities that effectively reduce stormwater throughout the City.

The RiverSmart Schools program offers incentives to local grade schools interested in reducing stormwater pollution from their campuses.

Green Roofs
The 2013-2014 green roof rebate program will provide base funding of $7 per square feet, and up to $15 per square foot in targeted subwatersheds. There is no cap on the size of projects eligible for the rebate.